lieutenant of the rajah's but not under his control; and wrote down my name, as well as that of the ship, in English. I wished him to accompany me the next day, to interpret, but he shook his head rather significantly; intimating that he was not ambitious of the honour. I interpreted it, disinclination to jeopardise his freedom. Having reason to doubt our observations on Acheen sand, I determined to renew them on Bouro, where the central position on the island might afford me more satisfactory results. I found, however, that the rocks all, more or less, affected the needles, as in the case of most volcanic formations. The principal object of my visit to Acheen was completely effected, and we were unusually fortunate in such operations; having experienced fine weather, and rapid transit from station to station. By the astronomical and chronometric bases both coinciding, the Golden Mountain is situated in latitude 5°,21,26′′,5, (Horsburgh 5°,27,0) and longitude 95°,44,′55′′ E., (Horsburgh 95°,49,'0) its elevation is eight thousand two hundred and eighty-three feet above mean tide level, differing but thirty-three feet at the extreme stations. Water is easily obtained by filling the casks within the river points; it even runs fresh to the breaker edge; but it is safer in every point of view to water inside, as the rollers are not always to be trusted. Riding at the anchorage is very uneasy, but at Bouro less so, if the island be brought to bear E.N.E. in fourteen fathoms. The bullocks obtained here are in fine condition; that we obtained weighed two hundred and fifty pounds. Their scymitars are made by native workmen, the steel being imported from Calcutta. They are valued at one and a half to two dollars each; but although anxious to obtain one, no one would be induced to sell, even for double their value. CHAPTER VIII. Ceylon-Point de Galle-Climate-Sail again-Numerous marine animals-Natural history-Anchor at Port Victoria, Séchelles-Partiality of the seamen for cocoa-nuts-State of Victoria-Black population-Description of the Séchelles from their almanack-Mahé-Monsoons-Cession of the islands to England-Terms of capitulation-Political and commercial. importance-Woods Quit the Séchelles - Majambo Bay, Madagascar-Appearance of the coast-Natural history—Absence of natives-Sail for the Cape of Good Hope-St. Helena -Ascension-Cape Blanco-Arrival in England-Liberality of the Admiralty-Paid of-Conclusion. CHAPTER VIII. ON the 14th January we quitted Bouro, and shaped our course for Point de Galle, the southernmost port in Ceylon. Strong north-easterly breezes favoured us, with a good offing. On the night of the 17th, we passed over the position of the Bale of Cotton rock, and steered for the Basses, which we passed about six, on the morning of the 20th. Having steered a course intended to pass close to the southernmost, and possibly fix its position if becalmed, we found ourselves at dawn about fifteen miles off shore, and had drifted considerably to the south-west: about eight, Dondra Head and flagstaff visible N. N.W., and the land about Point de Galle in the western distance. Here we were tantalized, not above twenty miles from our port, with light baffling airs, barely enabling us to stem an easterly current, as well as an offshore set. About eight in the evening, we were visited by a fisherman, who understood English, and having ascertained that we were bound to Galle, he re |